Japan to send SDF helicopters to wildfire-hit Indonesia
The helicopters will be used for firefighting activities — the first time the SDF will conduct such operations overseas.
Japan has pledged to send three Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 transport helicopters to Indonesia in support of their ongoing forest fire relief efforts, the country's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced. This marks the first time the SDF will deploy such helicopters abroad. Around 600 personnel are set to join the relief mission, according to the Defense Ministry.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Kunisaki, which will carry the three helicopters, is anticipated to leave for Indonesia shortly. Koizumi emphasized that Japan will make every effort to prevent the fires from causing additional damage. The Japanese government's decision to assist was prompted by a request from Indonesia's government.
Koizumi subsequently instructed the commander of the SDF's Joint Operations Command to initiate the mission following a request for assistance from Indonesia. This decision came shortly after the defense leaders of Japan, Australia, and Indonesia held their inaugural trilateral talks on Wednesday.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
